'I got Mario's shirt printed- and it got me into trouble'

IT'S an iconic moment of Premier League history, Manchester derby narrative and Manchester City folklore.

- ALEX JAMES

At 0-0 in an early season contest, James Milner cut the ball back and Mario Balotelli placed a shot into the far corner with a nonchalance and a panache that typified a striker who was always the centre of attention.

It was a lovely finish but it wasn't the goal that is still talked about to this day, it was the celebration.

Balotelli, sans smile, stood almost stock still, lifted his sky blue City shirt over his head to display a vest with the words 'Why Always Me' written on.

It was a message cooked up over a coffee and a crafty fag pre match with then City kit man Les Chapman, the man responsible for ensuring Balotelli's statement went global.